In your town: What's going on in your community after Sandy

Feb. 11, 2013

REGION

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Recovery Centers are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. To find the nearest center, text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. You also can visit www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program has been extended to Feb. 22. The extension means eligible people can receive TSA assistance through Feb. 22 with a check-out date of Feb. 23. Approximately 1,300 Sandy-displaced New Jersey residents are being housed through the TSA program. For more information, call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or visit www.disasterassistance.gov.

Training sessions on FEMA’s Flood Elevation Map revisions are available online. Learn about the recently released Advisory Base Flood Elevation maps, the coastal flood risk study under way to update Flood Insurance Rate Maps in New York and New Jersey, FEMA’s Risk MAP program and more through a two-part training session.

A series of tax-assistance events will be offered through March to superstorm Sandy victims in Bergen, Monmouth and Ocean counties. Organized by the Treasury Department’s Division of Taxation to help individuals and businesses prepare 2012 tax returns, the tax help is supported by the AARP’s Tax-Aide program and the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Experts will help with Sandy-related personal and business losses, how to deal with property tax issues caused by Sandy-related damage and how to recover lost tax documents or reconstruct lost personal or business records. The events in this area will be Feb. 26 at the Keyport Municipal Building, Feb. 28 at the Ocean County Library branch in Little Egg Harbor, March 9 at the Sea Bright Gym, March 14 in Bradley Beach, March 18 at the Ocean County Library branch in Toms River, and March 26 at the Ocean County Library branch in Brick. Out-of-state contractors and other businesses working temporarily in New Jersey on post-Sandy cleanup and reconstruction projects can register their businesses with Treasury’s Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services at any of the events. To register, visit https://www.state.nj.us/treas/taxation/contactus_tytstormsandyrelief.shtml, email outreach.tax@treas.state.nj.

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us or call 609-633-6015.

The sessions are sponsored by FEMA, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management. It is presented by the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and the Coastal Research Center. To access, visit, http://bit.ly/VOvwly.

Clean Ocean Action, which began its 2013 post-Sandy cleanup calendar and community support program, is offering its “Helping Hands at Home” sweep that matches volunteers with homeowners Feb. 23. Other events help clean up natural areas and push for responsible restoration of the shore, organizers say. For more information online, visit fortheshore.org.

Monmouth County Connection will host a series of free workshops. The first, “Protect Yourself From Medicare Fraud,” will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 19. The second, “Caring For the Caregiver” will be held from 1-2 p.m. Feb. 26. The third, “Protect Yourself From Identity Fraud,” will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28. Advance registration is required. To reserve, call 732-303-2828.

MONMOUTH COUNTY

ALLENTOWN: There will be a council meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 20.

The Allentown United Methodist Church will offer a second session of its grief and loss support group every Wednesday through March 20. If you would like to attend or have any questions, call the church at 609-259-7392.

ASBURY PARK: A Valentine’s Day brunch for senior citizens will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the senior center at 1201 Springwood Ave. For more information, call 732-502-5730.

The southern end of the boardwalk is expected to open by mid-May. As portions of the boardwalk are repaired and inspected, they will open for public access.

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS: New flood elevation maps are available on the municipal website at www.ahnj.com.

The Borough Council will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

AVON: The Planning Board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the municipal building.

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BRADLEY BEACH: The Municipal Court has relocated to the Neptune City municipal complex, 106 W. Sylvania Ave., Neptune City. The new phone number is 732-775-1690. Mayor Gary Engelstad will have office hours from 6 to 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month at borough hall, 701 Main St. The Bradley Beach Environmental Commission, along with the borough elementary school environmental club, will sponsor beach cleanups from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Volunteers should meet at the Evergreen Avenue boardwalk.

The Bradley Beach Memorial Weekend Festival is looking for vendors to participate in its two-day celebration May 25 and 26. Early registration costs for nonfood vendors and food vendors are: prior to March 1, $125 and $225, respectively; from March 2 to May 1 costs are $160 and $250, respectively; and after May 1, $185 and $275, respectively. Applications are available at www.bradleybeachonline.com or by email mwhile@monmouth.com. Prepaid reserved parking at the North End beachfront lot also is available at $30 for two days.

BELMAR: St. Rose Grammar School preschoolers will perform their Snowflake Ball at 8:45 a.m. today. Children will perform simple folk dances from around the world.

There will be a historical society meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Tickets are available for the March 10 Belmar Restaurant Tour at www.visitbelmarnj.com, Brandl restaurant, and 10th Ave. Burrito in Belmar Plaza. Ticket prices are $30 through March 9 and $35 on the day of the tour. For information, email tourism@boro.belmar.nj. us or call 732-747-4449.

BRIELLE: Leaf collection has ended and will resume April 14. Wood chips and mulch are available to all borough residents. Call 732-528-9389. Borough officials are reminding residents that no vehicles may be parked on snow-covered streets.

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COLTS NECK: Property owners have until 4:30 p.m. Monday to pay first-quarter taxes. Brush will not be picked up until the spring at a date to be announced in the future.

The township high school on Saturday will host the fifth annual All Service Drill Team Competition, featuring Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, high school drill teams from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. The Colts Neck High School NJROTC, a Distinguished Unit with Honors for the fourth year in a row, also will participate. The All Service JROTC Drill Team Competition runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free to attend and open to the public. Refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the duration of the event.

EATONTOWN: Court Appointed Special Advocates — volunteers who represent the interest of abused and neglected children as they go through the court system — will host an information session for potential new volunteers at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the CASA of Monmouth County office at 40 Broad St., suite 202. The meeting is being offered in advance of full training in April. No specific experience is needed, but volunteers should be compassionate and objective.

Residents interested in joining the borough’s Community Emergency Response Team should call 908-770-7382 or email certcoordinator@ eatontownnj.com.

There will be a council workshop meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, followed by a regular council meeting at 7:30 p.m.

The Code Enforcement Officer will be available from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Borough Hall.

FREEHOLDTOWNSHIP: The Township Committee meets 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Mezzo soprano Martha Bartz accompanied by pianist Mory Ortman will perform a post-Valentines Day cabaret at 7:30 p.m. Saturday as part of the Downtown Concert Series. The concert includes the song cycle December Songs by Maury Yeston, a veteran of Broadway and film. The concert is at St. Peter's Church, 33 Throckmorton St. For information, email Info@downtownconcertseries.org or call, 732.431.8383.

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HAZLET: Applications for the swim and tennis club are available at the Finance and Clerk’s offices. Residents can join at the 2012 rate through March 4. Nonresidents can join at the 2013 resident rate.

The township is looking to fill a part-time municipal administrator position, as posted on their website. Those interested should send a resume and cover letter, including salary history and requirements to Nancy Pendle, municipal administrator’s position, Township of Hazlet, 1766 Union Ave., Hazlet, NJ 07730.

HIGHLANDS: Donations are being accepted to help rebuild the borough after Sandy. Checks can be made payable to HBP — Hope for Highlands, P.O. Box 375, Highlands, NJ 07732. Donations also can be made via the borough’s website.

The mayor’s next town hall meeting is at 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at Highlands Elementary School, 360 Navesink Ave.

The Holmdel Community Church will host a roast turkey dinner dinner March 9. Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans, cranberry relish and award-winning coleslaw will be served at four seatings that day at the church, 40 W. Main St. (Route 520). Seatings will begin at 4 p.m. and then each hour afterward. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $8 for children under 12. Take-out meals will be available for $15 each. Reservations are necessary. Contact Sharon Wessel to order by calling 732-431-2372 or by emailing swe456ssel@aol.com.

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HOWELL: New Jersey American Water will be holding a public hearing on its planned rate increases 2 p.m. Wednesday at township municipal building, 4567 Route 9 North.

KEANSBURG: The school district is providing weekly parent and guardian support groups to assist families devastated by superstorm Sandy. The group meets at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the School-Based Youth Service Program office in Trailer 7 behind Keansburg High School. For more information, call Therese Hendrickson at 732-787-2007 ext. 2550.

Keansburg residents impacted by Sandy can visit keansburgboro.com or enter the municipal building to pick up applications to apply for assistance from the Robin Hood Foundation.

KEYPORT: The Keyport Senior Center will hold a Mardi Gras Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Keyport First Aid Building. The event includes entertainment and a lunch buffet. For more information, call 732-264-4916. It will also hold a St. Patrick’s Day Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 at the Keyport First Aid Building. The event includes entertainment and a lunch buffet. For more information, call 732-264-4916.

The Keyport Fire Department’s eighth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at 1 p.m. March 23.

LAKECOMO: The borough has established the Lake Como Relief Fund to provide assistance. Donations can be made at www.lakecomonj.org. Residents in need should call Borough Administrator Louise Mekosh at 732-681-3232.

LITTLE SILVER: Municipal offices will be closed Tuesday in observance of President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.

LOCHARBOUR: Village Beach Club applications for this summer are available on the village’s website. Applications postmarked before March 1 or hand-delivered before March 8 will be returned.

LONG BRANCH: A superstorm Sandy recovery workshop for residents will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Long Branch Fire Headquarters, 205 Union Ave. City officials will explain rebuilding options, new flood elevation maps, the new Increased Cost of Compliance, Hazard Mitigation Grant program, taxes and zoning. Advance registration is required by calling the city’s administration office 732-571-5640.

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The Family & Children’s Service (FCS) Thrift Boutique, damaged during superstorm Sandy, will reopen Feb. 19, with a special preview event from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 15. The boutique was restored by a Robin Hood Relief Fund grant and help form local organizations and businesses. Located at 307 Branchport Avenue, FCS Thrift Boutique will begin accepting donations during their normal business hours of noon to 5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $20, available at FCS’s office at 191 Bath Avenue or the afternoon of the event. To RSVP contact Volunteer Services Manager Samantha White at 721-222-9111 or at swhite@fcsmonmouth.org. For more information, visit www.fcsmonmouth.org or www.facebook.com/thethrift

The annual polar bear plunge has been relocated from Seaside Heights to Long Branch this year because of superstorm Sandy. The plunge, which led thousands to jump in the ocean last year to raise more than $1.4 million for Special Olympics New Jersey, will be at 1 p.m. Feb. 23 at Pier Village. All plungers must raise a minimum of $100 to participate. More information is available at www.njpolarplunge.org.

MANALAPAN: Thursday’s Planning Board meeting has been canceled.

Monmouth County Library Headquarters is sponsoring an “Anti-Valentine’s Day” celebration at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The free and public event is an alternative way to celebrate the day. Attendees are invited to “uncelebrate” with moody music, broken heart cookies and Anti-Valentine’s Day crafts. The location is 125 Symmes Drive.

MANASQUAN: Sand-sifting operations are expected to begin this week. The replacement of the macadam beach walk is expected to begin in March. During this time, Borough contractors will have the ability to work from 7 a.m to 7pm Monday through Saturday. Based on favorable weather conditions, we anticipate that work will be completed by May.

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MARLBORO: Spring soccer registration has been extended to Friday. The registration form can be found on the township’s website and brought to the Recreation Center.

First-quarter taxes are due no later than Monday. Township offices are closed Fridays. The new hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. The Recreation Department will not be affected by the modified hours of operation and will continue to function on a Monday-through-Friday schedule.

The Freehold Regional High School District is sponsoring its second annual “State of the School” meeting, 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Marlboro administrative complex, 1979 Township Drive. Parents, faculty, staff and others interested in the operation of the district are invited to attend this public meeting which will include administrators’ presentations and a question-and-answer period.

MATAWAN: Cub Scout Pack 66 is hosting the 33rd annual Pinewood Derby from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Matawan Community Center. About 140 are expected to participate.

MIDDLETOWN: Regal Pointe will host a one-day AARP safe driver refresher course for defensive driving from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Successful completion can result in discounts on car insurance and the elimination of one point on your license (contact your insurance agent for details). The course is available to drivers, age 50 years and older, who have not yet completed the initial course or who have let three years pass since taking it. The cost of the course for AARP members, with proof of membership, is $12 per person. The cost for non-members is $14 per person. All participants must bring their AARP membership card (if applicable) and valid driver’s license. The event includes lunch, courtesy of Regal Pointe. Seating is limited. The deadline for registration is Monday. To register call 732-957-0083.

Sister Helen Prejean, who wrote Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States, will speak at Brookdale Community College at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 25. Book signings will also take place.

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The first presentation will be in the Brookdale Recreation Center at the Lincroft main campus. The second presentation will be in the Brookdale Warner Student Life Center, Navesink rooms of the Lincroft main campus. Tickets are $9 for adults and $4 students and Change members. Advanced ticket purchase is preferred as space is limited. School groups must pre-register. Go to www.chhange.org for ticket purchase.

Screenings and discussions of the film Dead Man Walking will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28. Tickets for the film are $4.

SCAN Life Long Learning Center is holding a gift auction at Regal Pointe Independent Living on Feb. 23 to benefit older adults who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. This event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Middletown United Methodist Church will hold a chili cookoff beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday. The event will honor the Lincroft Fire Company and EMS as well as River Plaza Hose Company for their work during superstorm Sandy. To enter as a chili contestant, contact Linda Bardell at FDJJmom@gmail.com.

St. Catherine’s Parish will hold an Elvis concert to benefit the Port Monmouth Community Church, which was damaged by Sandy. The Feb. 23 concert will feature Anthony Liguori as Elvis. Tickets are $25. To purchase, call Pastor Daniel C. Hesko at 732-922-9286 or St. Catherine’s office at 732-787-1318.

NEPTUNE: Three nonprofit organizations will offer a free mold remediation workshop Tuesday at the Asbury Park Press building, 3601 Route 66. The seminar is broken up in multiple sessions, 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. for building professionals, contractors or laborers and 1:45 to 5:45 p.m. for homeowners and other interested parties. Registration by Friday is encouraged. Further information is available by emailing aha-development@ housingall.org or by calling 732-389-2958.

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The Senior Center is offering income-tax counseling by appointment. Senior citizens may call for an appointment Mondays, Tuesdays or Fridays from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 732-988-8855.

The Monmouth County Office on Aging will hold a “Caring for the Caregiver” workshop at 1 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Monmouth County Connection, 3544 Highway 66. The free workshop, presented by Monmouth County Caregiver Specialist Colleen Smith, is for those caring for an elderly friend or loved one and will educate caregivers about resources and support available, tools and techniques to manage stress, and more. The workshop is open to all Monmouth County residents, but registration is required. To register, please call 732-303-2828.

Mary’s Place by the Sea, a respite home for women with any type of cancer, is open again after being closed for two months because of flooding related to superstorm Sandy. It offers oncological massage, nutritional counseling, education about prevention, and yoga to guests and re-opens with a new partner in Oncology Massage Associates.

NEPTUNECITY: The mayor and council will meet at 7 p.m. today.

OCEANPORT: Residents can now return to Borough Hall for services in the Clerk’s Office and the Tax Office. Hours of operation remain 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Oceanport townwide scavenger hunt will be held between 8 a.m. and noon March 9. Teams of two to four people will travel by car throughout the borough taking photos of specific locations and answering questions. The first place winning team will receive $750. Second place will receive $150 and third place will receive $100. For rules and information, visit www.oceanportboro.com.

OCEANTOWNSHIP: Township Little League registration will run online until Monday. Registration can be done on the league’s website, otll.org. For information, contact league president Tom Ankiewicz at info@otll.org.

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The American Cancer Society will hold their Relay for Life Kick-Off Party at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Recreation Center at 615 W. Park Ave. There will be food, prizes and information about this year's event. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/oceannj or email oceanrfl@gmail.com.

RED BANK: The borough has a snow emergency in effect, which means parking is prohibited on certain streets when they are snow covered. Borough officials urge residents on non-designated streets to park off street if they can to make plowing easier. The list of snow emergency-prohibited parking streets can be found on the borough website at www.redbanknj.org or by using this link: http://tinyurl.com/avgvv5f.

The Community Garden on Marion Street is preparing to lease plots to borough residents for the 2013 growing season. Applications are available on the borough’s website, www.redbanknj.org, under the Parks and Recreation Department forms link. They may also be obtained in person at the Parks and Recreation Department office on the second floor of the Borough Hall, 90 Monmouth St. Completed applications will be accepted beginning Friday on a first-come, first-serve basis to borough residents only. The fee to lease a plot for one growing season is $25 and must accompany application. Multiple sizes are available. Plot sponsorships are also available.

RUMSON: The 11th annual Hoops for Horizons 3-on-3 basketball tournament will be held March 8 and 9 at Rumson Country Day School. The event benefits the Horizons Student Enrichment Program and is being held this year in honor of Albert E. Martin, Jr., the Red Bank Regional High School Senior who died suddenly in December.

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Rumson Recreation has a new website at www.rumsonrec.org. The new site contains news, forms and information regarding the offered programs.

The Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge is closed 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays through Friday and will be open to vehicular traffic each weekend beginning at 3:30 p.m. Fridays.

SEA BRIGHT: The Planning Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Norton Community Center.

SHREWSBURY: The school district is accepting applications for the 2013/14 school year’s half or full day preschool program, open to ages three and four. For more information, call 732-747-0882 ext. 110.

Community Garden and Community Alliance meetings are planned for Monday. The garden meeting begins at 7 p.m. and the alliance meeting is at 7:30 p.m.

Residents with questions regarding their assessed valuation should be addressed with Realty Appraisal Company. Final assessments are being calculated, and the property cards will be mailed out by Wednesday, as stated on the borough’s website. Any other questions should be directed to Tax Assessor Stephen Walters at 732-842-7039.

Kindergarten registration will be from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 14 for children who are five-years-old by Oct. 1. Parents should call the school at 732-747-0882 ext. 110, for registration forms, medical forms and an appointment time. Parents also should complete the census form from the school website at www.sbs.k12.nj.us/sbs/ and either email it to galantel@sbs.k12.nj.us or fax 732-747-7510. To complete the registration process, the school requires an original birth certificate, immunization forms and proof of residency along with the completed registration.

TINTONFALLS: The borough’s and Eatontown’s Relay for Life Kick-off Event will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Monmouth Regional High School. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/

UNIONBEACH: Monmouth University faculty and students from the West Long Branch-based School of Education are donating a wide variety of items — from desk chairs to construction paper to teachers and pupils from the storm-ravaged Union Beach Memorial School

The borough still is seeking donations of shovels, rakes, gloves, traffic vests, hammers, wood for reconstruction, insulation, Home Depot or Lowes gift cards and volunteers. Any person wishing to volunteer can go to the front desk of borough hall for information.

WEST LONG BRANCH: The recycling yard and borough offices will be closed Tuesday in observance of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.

The 2013 borough calendar will be mailed to all residents shortly. There is a link to the February calendar online at the borough’s website: www.westlongbranch.org.

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The borough is currently looking for a new Administrator/Chief Finance Officer. Inquiries can be made by email at lcole@westlongbranch.org. The position has been vacant since Jan. 1.

OCEAN COUNTY

The Ocean County Library has several programs, crafts and other events planned at its branches through February in recognition of National Black History Month. For a full list of activities, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

BARNEGAT: The volunteer fire company lady auxiliary’s Fish Fry will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Birdsall Street. For more information call 609-698-2850. Cost is $12 adults, $10 seniors, and $5 for children under 12. Featured dishes include battered cod, chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, carrots, coleslaw, desserts and beverages. Takeout is also available.

Recycling will be collected this week and the week of Feb. 22.

The Water/Sewer Department will soon begin routine sewer main cleaning and video inspections in the Windward Section and on West Bay Avenue, West of the Garden State Parkway in the township. Work will continue for about three months.

BAY HEAD: Standard garbage retrieval has resumed, and collection includes back- and side-yard retrieval. Curbside storm debris removal has ended; summonses will be issued if garbage is left on the curb.

BEACH HAVEN: Businesses open and running in the borough should contact Deputy Clerk Lauren Rohrer at 609-492-0111.

The Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Company will be hosting its annual turkey dinner Saturday at the firehouse at Bay Avenue and Amber Street. For more information, call 609-713-0381 or 609-492-6007.

BEACHWOOD: Ocean County Parks and Recreation staff will hold LEGO building classes for children ages 5 to 10. The class, which costs $12 per child, will be held from 11 to 11:45 a.m. March 2 at Jakes Branch County Park. To register, send a check made payable to the “County of Ocean” to Ocean County Parks and Recreation, 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River, NJ 08753. Please provide name, address and daytime telephone number, along with program number 433332-5B when registering. An additional class will be held March 26 at the Parks Administration Office, 1198 Bandon Road. The registration number for that class is 433332-5A.

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BERKELEY: The council meets at 7 p.m. today.

Bayville Elementary School has captured one of four Green Awards sponsored by Princeton-based energy company NRG Energy Inc. The school, the eldest in the district, sustained significant damage during superstorm Sandy. The award allows the Route 9 school to host a Green Family Arts Festival, worth up to $10,000.

Karen’s Krew, a Relay for Life time, will hold a pasta buffet to benefit the American Cancer Society from 5 to 8 p.m. March 15. The event will be in the Recreation Center at 630 Atlantic City Blvd. Donations are $10 for adults, $5 for children. Buffet includes pasta with sauces, salad, beverage, bread and dessert. For more information, contact Pat Nardone at 973-699-0437 or e-mail pnardone1@comcast.net.

BRICK: The township plans to participate in the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and has not set a deadline for residents to complete and submit the Voluntary Participation Form. The Voluntary Participation Form can be picked up at the municipal building at 401 Chambers Bridge Road or downloaded from the township website at www.bricktownship.net. It can be dropped off or mailed to the municipal building, Attention: Sheila Whiting. For more information please contact 732-262-1063.

The township Parks and Recreation department is holding early childhood programs for residents. The list can be found on the township’s Facebook page. All programs are held at the Brick Township Department of Parks and Recreation, Civic Plaza, 270 Chambers Bridge Road. Register in person at the office, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Barbara Forfar Nursing Scholarship Fund, in conjunction with the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties and River Rock Restaurant & Marina Bar, will sponsor “Rock for the Nurses — Rock for the Shore” from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 21 at River Rock’s 1600 Route 70 location in Brick. For information about the fund and the event, visit www.forfarscholarship. org.

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The Policemen’s Benevolent Association will hold its 23rd annual “Helping Hands Benefit” basketball game on March 22. The game, played against the Brick Township Green Dragon Football Team, will benefit the family of a local girl battling serious illness. Five-year-old Mikaela Magner has Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which is a rare and severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy, and can have as many as 50 to 100 seizures a day, according to event organizers. The game, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will be held at the Brick Township High School East gym. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for students. The PBA will accept donations for the family by mail at: PBA Local 230, PO Box 1067, Brick, NJ 08723, c/o Officer Richard Nelson Jr. Checks can be made payable to the “Helping Hands Fund.”

JACKSON: College Night at the Jackson branch for Ocean County Library will be 6 p.m. Feb. 28 for high school students and their parents. Representatives from Brookdale Community College, Ocean County College and Georgian Court University will be at the event. Register at 732-928-4400.

The township branch of the Ocean County Library will hold “1, 2, 3, Grow with Me!” – a free five-week Family Place parent-child workshop series that will be held on four Wednesdays and one Friday, beginning Feb. 20. Parents of children from 15 months to three years of age can register now. The program features local children’s services professionals who serve as resources for parents — answering questions about children’s physical and dental health, development, movement, speech, and nutrition, or sharing music appreciation and early literacy. The workshop also provides a setting in which parent and child can play and learn together. There are books, crafts, puzzles, blocks, wheeled pushing and riding toys, dolls, and many other developmental toys that parents can explore with their children to expand their experiences. For more information, call the Youth Services desk at 732-928-4400 ext. 6. To register, visit the library at 2 Jackson Drive, Jackson, NJ.

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LACEY: The Lacey Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Valentine’s Comedy Night Friday at the Captain’s Inn, 304 East Lacey Road. Tickets for the event are $25 per person. The event starts at 7 p.m. with dinner and the show starts at 8 p.m.. For tickets call 609-607-7670.

LAKEHURST: A newly formed Ocean County real estate business venture kicks off March 10 with a 1 p.m. live B98.5 radio broadcast from Tipperary Pub. The public is invited to participate from 3 to 5 p.m. when prize giveaways will be distributed.

LAKEWOOD: On Friday, starting at 6 p.m. there will be a special dinner held at The Mill, 101 Old Mill Road, Spring Lake, which will also serve as a fundraiser for the Ocean Health Initiatives based in Lakewood. Tickets are $125 per person. All donations and contributions, which are tax deductible, will help continue OHI’s mission of providing affordable, accessible healthcare to Ocean County seniors, adults and children regardless of insurance. There will be a gift auction at the dinner dance event. For more information or contact Douglas Clark, marketing coordinator, at 732-363-6655 or promotionsdept@ohinj.org.

The snowstorm Friday evening led officials at Georgian Court University to reschedule Saturday’s campus tour for prospective students to 11 a.m. Feb. 23. The event will kick off in the McAuley Heritage Center. Pre-registration is required at http://registrar.georgian.edu/iqweb/visitor/CampusEvents.asp. For more information, call the admissions office at 732-987-2700. The University will also be holding a free graduate information session for those interested in obtaining graduate degrees at 6 p.m. Feb. 19 in the north dining room at the Lakewood campus. Reserve a seat by calling the Office of Graduate Admissions at 732-987-2770 or online at http://registrar.georgian.edu/iqweb/visitor/CampusEvents.asp. The University will continue to offer monthly parent/student workshops geared toward college readiness. The next meetings are scheduled for 7 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 28 and March 21 at the Lakewood High School library.

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The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce will be holding a general membership and orientation meeting at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 21. Members and nonmembers are invited to attend at Eagle Ridge Golf Club, 2 Augusta Blvd.

The Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation will hold a bumper-bowling program for families of children ages three- to five-years-old at Brunswick Lakewood Lanes, 101 Locust St. Registration is $10 per child or adult for the program, which runs from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays from Feb. 22 to March 15. To register, send a check made payable to the “County of Ocean” to Ocean County Parks and Recreation, 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River, NJ 08753. Provide name, address and daytime telephone number, along with program number 433332-3A when registering.

LAVALLETTE: The borough planning board will meet at 7 p.m Wednesday at the Lavallette Elementary School at 105 Brooklyn Ave.

For residents with sections of boardwalk on their properties that cannot be removed, the borough may be able to assist through FEMA’s authorization for municipalities to adopt an Emergency Debris Removal from Private Property program. In order for the borough to consider the adoption of the program, an assessment of need must be conducted. Residents should fill out the Right-of-Entry form on the website and return or mail it to the borough at Borough of Lavallette, 1306 Grand Central Avenue, Lavallette, NJ 08735 or hand-delivered to the Administrative Trailer located in the Fire Department parking lot.

LITTLE EGG HARBOR: The Hazard Mitigation Program deadline has been extended to March 15 for borough residents.

LONG BEACHTOWNSHIP: The Lighthouse International Film Society will present “An Evening of Chocolat and Romance” on Saturday at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences, 120 Long Beach Boulevard in Loveladies. There will be desserts and coffee at 7:30 p.m. made by Master Chef Francis of A Little Bite of Italy in Surf City. At 8 p.m. there will be a screening of the movie “Chocolat.”

The MTHS Booster Club will host a Comedy Night Fundraiser on Friday Feb. 22 at Tri-Boro First Aid Squad located on J Street in Seaside Park. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Admission is a $20 donation and the event is BYOB and food.

MANTOLOKING: The Borough Police Department’s new phone numbers are 732-295-1465 (answered by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, 24/7), 732-295-1401 (answered in the borough 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday) and 732-295-1469 (fax). Remember that 911 is for emergencies only.

OCEAN GATE: A “Sandy-Recovery-Restore” informational meeting for all Ocean Gate residents will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday in the municipal building. FEMA representatives, the Ocean Gate Construction/Code officer, Borough Engineer, Habitat for Humanity representatives, Hope and Healing, Operation Hope, among others. The borough council, planning/land use board, and borough attorney will also be available. There also will be a question-and-answer period.

PLUMSTED: Assemblyman Ron Dancer, Mayor Dave Leutwyler and Congressman Chris Smith's Aide, Fran Grilletto, will be at the Township Library from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at 119 Evergreen Road to meet with residents to answer questions; receive suggestions; or assist with any federal, State or local matters of concern. Residents may call the Library at 609-758-7888 in advance to reserve a specific meeting time. For further information, contact Dancer’s office by phone at 609-758-0205, fax at 609-758-0245, email asmdancer@njleg.org or mail to 405 Route 539, Cream Ridge NJ 08514. Plumsted office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. No appointments are necessary to meet with the constituent services staff.

Laurita Winery’s Valentine Weekend will be held Saurday and Sunday. The winery will offer samples of its dairy-based, chocolate and strawberry wines and host chocolate desserts during the event, which includes live music. For details, visit www.LauritaWinery.com.

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POINT PLEASANT BEACH: The borough is completing a municipal wide reassessment of all property for the 2013 tax year, as stated in a release. The project is revenue neutral, meaning the purpose is not to raise property taxes. The purpose is to bring the assessed value of all properties within the municipality to market value and to ensure that property assessments are fair and equitable.

Property inspections for storm damage have been ongoing since late December and are almost complete. Adjustments for storm damage will be incorporated into the new assessments, and property owners will be notified by mail of their new assessment no later than April 15. The tax appeal deadline will be 45 days after the mailing of the post cards. Property owners are urged not to file tax appeals until they receive their new assessments.

The updated assessments will first be calculated as if no damage has occurred. The value will reflect the market value of the property as of Oct. 1 – the annual statutory assessment date in New Jersey. The assessment will then be adjusted to reflect damage sustained from the storm. Assessment reductions for storm damage will be removed when repairs are completed and inspected by the municipality. Property owners should contact the Tax Assessor with any questions regarding the reassessment or storm damage reductions.

The Central United Methodist Church "Matthew's Table," a soup kitchen held on the fourth Thursday of every month, will serve lunch from noon to 2 p.m. at its 729 Arnold Ave location. For more information, call 732-691-6764.

POINT PLEASANT:

SEASIDEHEIGHTS: The waiving of permit fees for storm related work expires on Friday while the deadline to apply for the hazard mitigation program has been extended to March 15.

SEASIDEPARK: The brough will be submitting a Letter of Intent to Ocean County by Feb. 28, as required by FEMA advising the County, State Office of Emergency Management and FEMA of the Borough’s intention to participate in FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program. If homeowners wish to participate in the program, they are advised to complete the form found on the borough website at http://www.seasideparknj.org/ and include all of the required information by the deadline. Forms are to be dropped off or mailed to: Seaside Park Borough Hall, 1701 North Ocean Avenue, Seaside Park, NJ 08752.

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The Borough Benefit has been rescheduled to 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Feb. 22 at 440 Madison Hill Road in Clark (exit 135 on the Garden State Parkway). Tickets are $60 and can be paid by cash or check made payable to “Friends of Seaside Park.” The event will includes food, drinks, music and Tricky Tray. All proceeds will assist the residents and local businesses hurt by superstorm Sandy. For further information, contact ssp2013@aol.com or Vito and Vince Gagliardi at 908-577-6232, or visit www.ssp2013.com.

SOUTHTOMS RIVER: The Borough Council will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at Borough Hall, 144 Mill St.

STAFFORD: Chocolate Week is taking place 8 p.m. Tuesday at the TGI Fridays at 601 Washington Ave. The Southern Ocean County Chamber and Southern Ocean Community Foundation are partnering with B98.5 FM and TGI Fridays to raise money for the foundation, which benefits seven food banks in Southern Ocean County. For more information on the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, Taste Dinner and Chocolate Week, go to www.visitLBIregion.com or call 609-494-7211. To reserve your spot for this Chocolate Week Party, contact TGI Fridays at 609-489-0950.

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey’s School of Education will hold a free teacher information workshop at 2 p.m. March 15 at Stockton’s Manahawkin Instructional Site, located at 712 E. Bay Ave. The session is for those interested in becoming an elementary or secondary school teacher and explain the path to teacher certification in New Jersey. Participants are asked to bring their transcripts, which will be reviewed and evaluated. For current teachers, a graduate program information session will follow from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Representatives will be present to answer questions and distribute materials on three master’s programs at Stockton: Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Master of Arts in Education and Master of Arts in Instructional Technology.

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This week, Department of Human Services’ Deputy Commissioner Lowell Arye toured the Southern Service Center, located at Route 9 and 72 in Manahawkin. The center will be moving forward on its plans to be a newly renovated senior nutrition site. The location served was a spot for Ocean County residents following Sandy.

TOMSRIVER: New Jersey Blood Services will hold a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Ocean County Mall, 1201 Hooper Ave. Type O Negative blood is in short supply, according to organizers.

Monsignor Donovan High School will host “Discover Your Talents, an interactive day of learning for elementary and middle school students grades 5 – 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The $20 fee offers each registered student a choice of three fun-filled workshops and lunch. Go to www.mondonhs.com and click on the “Discover Your Talent” Link to register.

The Toms River branch and the Toms River NAACP will present their annual food tasting, dancing and music program at 2 p.m. Saturday. Norman Taylor, New Jersey’s representative to the 2011 and 2012 International Blues Challenge, will perform. People will learn songs, dance, various greetings and basic West African music rhythms that they will be able to perform on Feb. 20 at Lakewood and Feb. 21 at Stafford. Both programs begin at 7 p.m.

“The History and Making of the Native American Love Flute” will be presented at 2 p.m. Feb. 20 at Ocean County College in Room A117 of the Arts & Community Center (Building 18) on the main campus on College Drive. The event is sponsored by the OCC Music Club. Admission is free and open to the public. Angel Camilo, OCC dean of adjunct faculty, along with his wife, Krista Camilo, an OCC instructor of mathematics, will present a lecture, demonstration and samples of recorded music.

St. Joseph’s Parish will hold its 16th Annual Men’s Conference from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 23 at its 685 Hooper Ave location. Titled, “Real Men, Real Catholic Faith,” Bishop David M. O’Connell of the Diocese Of Trenton will preside and featured guests include national speaker, radio host and author Allen Hunt, evangelist and speaker Damon Owens, and former NFL player Joe Klecko. A Young Men’s Track, in partnership with Catholic Athletes for Christ is open to eighth grade through college age students. Pre-registered tickets are $25 and $10 for students and $30 at the door. Lunch will be included. For tickets visit www.catholicmenforjesuschrist.org or mail check with self-addressed stamped envelope to Catholic Men for Jesus Christ, PO Box 816, Morrisville, PA 19067. For more information, visit the website or call 609-896-0394.

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The Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St., will host the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players as they present “Mozart the Boy Wonder” at 2 p.m. Feb. 24. The free program traces Wolfgang Mozart’s development from child prodigy to master composer and demonstrates the ingenious techniques that define his musical style. To register, which is required, call 732-349-6200 or 609-971-0514.

WARETOWN: ShopRite will present $20,000 in gift cards to Ocean County-based organizations at 10 a.m. Tuesday in its 501 Route 9 store. The donation is part of its pledge to donate $1 million in food and funds to Sandy relief efforts. St. Francis Center of Long Beach Island, King of Kings Church in Stafford and OCEAN, Inc. of Toms River will accept the donated gift cards, which will go to those most affected by the storm.

Township Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the municipal building, 50 Railroad Ave. The Township Redevelopment Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the same location.